
As children grow up, the support they receive will change. Up to age 18, support usually comes from children’s services, and after this it moves to adult services. This change does not happen all at once. It should be planned early, often from around age 13 or 14, so there is enough time to think about your child’s future and make sure the right support is in place.
Transition planning should look at all areas of your child’s life, such as health, education, daily living, work, and where they might live. As your child gets older, they will be encouraged to have more say in decisions about their care and future. There should not be a gap in support, and children’s services should continue until adult services are ready or no longer needed. Good planning helps make the move to adult life smoother and less stressful for you and your child.